Author's notes:

Happy first week of Spring from Down Under! And thank Arus that FFN is back online. We have been waiting since 1st September to upload this chapter.

Thank once again for sending reviews and following this fanfic.

Thank you for your continuous support, feeding this fanfic writer's fangirl shippy energy. Just like in my previous fanfic where I gave a special gift for multiple reviews, this year, I am keen to send a special aussie chrissie pressie to the first ten reviewers who have written at least ten reviews. I am expecting that this fanfic will finish by the end of the year and pressies will be sent out when the fanfic is completed.

Without further ado, here's

Chapter Fourteen

"Frustration"

What was she thinking?

She was not accustomed to such beautiful, lush, silky fabrics; she had never worn anything as grand as this blue dress before. She was also not used to the art of seduction. Flushed, Allura hastily ran to her room, mortified that she'd made a spectacle of herself. She hung her head, anxious that Keith would think less of her for trying to use her feminine charms.

Keith didn't need his armour to look handsome. I could stare at him all day. Forever, even. His plain black tunic stretched and clung to his muscled torso made her want to smooth her hands over his chest. But Keith was more than just a handsome face; he was an intelligent man as well. He garnered respect from everyone around him with the way he spoke in such a calm manner even amidst all the chaos. He also showed deep compassion and empathy, especially towards her.

Allura couldn't deny she was attracted to him. Deep inside her heart, she wondered if there was something more. Something she couldn't even dare name? Whatever it was, she felt the unmistakable, invisible pull that drew her to him. Since her revelation, she felt giddy and nervous around him. Gah. Knights and warriors don't feel giddy!

She lifted her full skirts and stomped up the stairs that led to the royal wing. Marching into her room, her nails digging into the fabric, she felt a toxic mix of exasperation, embarrassment, and annoyance brewing inside her. Determined to kick out the uncomfortable feelings, Allura pulled out her bow and a bundle of arrows from behind one of the hidden panels in her room. When she tested her bow's string, she realised she detested the dress, no matter how pretty it was. The stiff and tight bone corset stifled her movements.

Impatient, she grabbed an arrow, pointed it downwards, and dragged the sharp tip on her back, away from her skin, slitting the laces of her corset. Swiftly pulling off her dress, Allura grunted as she tugged and wriggled out of the frilly blue gown. From a nearby armoire, she pulled out a clean tunic, black breeches, and black knee-high leather boots and briskly donned them.

"Much better." She sighed out loud, flexing her stiff shoulder and neck muscles. Grabbing her archery equipment, she then sprinted out of her room, down the service stairs, and through the kitchen. Crossing the back garden, she quietly slipped out of the castle through the postern gate.

Once through the unguarded gate, she smiled, tilting her face up to the mid-afternoon sun. With all her energy, she ran laughing, wild and free, tearing across the open fields and through the adjoining orchard of fruit trees.

Breathless, with her cheeks all flushed, Allura beamed when she saw her archery target untouched, hanging at the far end of the orchard. It was still where she'd left it. The farmers had given Allura her own quiet space, secluded and undisturbed, and in exchange, she would directly harvest the fruits from the surrounding trees during harvest season. Grinning, she shook her long golden tresses free, impatiently yanking out the myriad of hairpins that Nanny had placed earlier. Blast! She hated prim and pompous court clothes and restraining coiffures. In her heart, Allura's thought of herself a warrior and knight first and a princess second.

She wrinkled her nose as she untied her bundle of arrows, slightly dismayed that she only had five left. She made a mental note to swing past the smithy after her little outing. For now, she would have to make each arrow count. She let out a cleansing breath and cleared her mind.

Allura raised her bow, levelling out her arm. With a stilled breath, took aim, her back muscles taut with the draw. She pictured the target in her mind, binding the image with her arrow. Little did she realise she was enveloped in a blue glow. Slowly exhaling, she released the taut string and let the arrow fly. It hissed through the air and pierced the target with a dull thump. With a triumphant grin, Allura nocked her next arrow, ready to draw when, without warning, everything in front of her disappeared.

A vision of Keith's lifeless body face down in muddy ground appeared in front of her.

Her heart lurched. No! Keith! Not again! When she stepped forward, she found herself back in the orchard.

By all the goddesses! When was the last time she'd had visions? And why now? Was she even ready to go through that again? Too soon... I can't even—

She abruptly stopped the thought. With shaky arms, hot tears swelled behind her eyes. Her heart squeezed as she loosed another arrow.

xoxoxoxo

He had been searching for Allura in the castle when her nanny gently prodded him towards the postern gate, handing him a picnic blanket and basket. She pointed towards the thick row of trees, telling him that Allura was at the far end of the orchard.

And when he found his princess, hidden among the trees, Keith watched her in awe and fascination. She wasn't even aware of his presence, focused as she was on her archery. Even at a distance, Allura was exquisite. His gaze fixated on her beautiful profile, from her pert nose to her lush, full lips. Her long, blond hair was wild and flowing down to her waist. She was back wearing a plain tunic, black leather breeches and knee-high boots. This was the alluring demigoddess who lulled him into an entranced stupor. He could stare at her all day. He found his thoughts lingering on her lean body with toned muscles, flat tummy and full breasts. By the gods teeth! His body hardened at the lusty thought, craving for her. Shaking the erotic thoughts aside, he watched her as she shot an arrow as it roared towards the distant target. Her face was sombre, serious even.

Her arrows spent, Keith saw her slump behind a large, shady tree, sulking. He decided to reveal himself; he marched towards her with purposeful, large strides.

Golden brows creased at his approach. "Why are you here?" He saw her rub her eyes. Was she crying? Her nose and cheeks appeared slightly tinged.

"Greetings, my lady. I have brought you a light repast." He handed her the basket, which she begrudgingly accepted while he spread a blanket on the ground. "And I did promise to woo you. This is one of the rituals of courting."

"Keith...I—"

He raised his hand, interrupting her. "How about we make a deal? Let us not speak about the joust. Instead, ask me anything you want to know about me. Agreed?" He sat beside her and handed her slices of bread and cheese.

Allura paused, pondering his offer for a moment. She shifted on the picnic blanket, edging closer to him. "I suppose so." She reached out, accepting both his suggestion and proffered food.

For a few long minutes, they sat in companionable silence.

He watched her as she bit into the brown bread, noticing her straight and white teeth.

"When did you become Black's warrior?" she asked between bites.

"A few years back. I was already a knight, in service to the royal crown of Altea," Keith replied.

"Your second-in-command, Lance, how did he get his lion?"

"Red Lion has been in Lance's family for generations, and my ancestors annexed their province, which is now a part of Altea. Lance and I are distant cousins as well."

"So, it's like Alforia, annexed and then later disappearing into one amalgamated map of Altea?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

He felt an uncomfortable silence between them. He moved closer and searched her face, sensing confusion and some level of uneasiness. All he wanted was to make her happy. Gently placing his fingers beneath her chin, he asked softly, "How would you want it, Allura? If I had the power to grant your wish, what would you ask?"

Brilliant blue eyes gaze back at him. There was strength beyond the beauty in those eyes. "I just... I just want the man and not the kingdoms, the titles, and the treasures that being married to you would entail. I know I'm simplifying things right now, because when we're married..." she paused.

"I see you said 'when' and not 'if'." He grinned, teasing her. His heart swelled. Was she giving their relationship the chance to bloom?

She flushed a beautiful shade of pink. "I want us together, not married just by name and...not separate bedrooms either. And I want to go where you go. Alforia has too many bad memories for me. I want to make fresh and happy memories with you."

He nodded. His heart tightened; he was too choked up to speak. She was willing to give their relationship a chance. Keith gently pulled Allura to his lap. He was somewhat relieved that she didn't resist him. However, while she settled on his hard thighs, she wriggled her backside, unconsciously searching a comfortable spot. Keith fought a groan as he gripped her waist to steady her.

"Nanny said you had sent engagement presents, including several dresses," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Ah, I see my mother has already sent some of the—"

Allura froze and gasped, her hands flew to her flushed face, embarrassed and shocked. "The Queen! I... I'm sorry, Keith. Since you've never spoken of your mother, I just assumed that she was..." Her voice drifted.

"I'm sorry if I gave you that impression," Keith said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Truth be told, I didn't grow up with my parents. When I turned seven years old, I was sent to foster at one of my uncle's castles. Lance and I fostered together."

"Your parents, do they have a good, loving marriage?"

"As far as I know, they grew up together, knowing one day they were to be betrothed to one another. They fell in love with each other after they got married," he said thoughtfully, scratching his jaw.

"Was it love-match then?"

"You may call it that."

"When do we visit?" She smiled at him. He adored her beautiful smile that lit up her whole face.

"After the joust, we can go straight to Altea, if you wish, my lady." Keith held her hand and raised it to his lips.

"That would be lovely."

"You're lovely." His mouth lingered on her warm skin, kissing each knuckle. "I would like to kiss you, my lady, if you would permit me?"

"Aye, my lord," she whispered, her eyes lowered.

He bit off a groan when he saw her tongue darted, wetting her lips in anticipation.

His mouth descended on hers. He enjoyed the taste of her; the way their bodies pressed against each other. He could feel her breasts searing through his tunic. Keith lowered his head, nuzzling her neck. By all the gods! Her sweet, floral scent was intoxicating. He gently nibbled and sucked her graceful neck, leaving a bright red spot, marking her. Mine!

"Keith, there is a way to work around the joust," she spoke in a whispered, breathless voice.

He hummed his reply. He was too distracted, tasting her. "Didn't we agree we're not supposed to talk about the joust just yet?" he whispered, nibbling the shell of her ear. He felt her shudder.

"But this is quite important. Ask Black to appear like a normal lion," she said, softly panting while her hands rubbed against his chest.

Keith stilled. Shaking the lusty fog in his head, he forcibly stopped his sensual ministrations and focused on her words. He lifted his head and looked at her brilliant blue eyes. "Can Black actually do that?"

"Blue can manifest in a different solid form, a turquoise-coloured lioness. There are many different large cats in Arus," she said matter-of-factly.

He arched a brow. "How would this affect the joust?"

"Just as long you stay saddled on your lion, Black's energy and yours would flow as one. It may not be as strong, as his energy would be halved when shared with you, but I am hoping it would be enough to make a difference in protecting you," Allura explained.

What was he supposed to say to that? The calculating, strategic commander of the vast Altean army was suddenly lost. He was lost in her mesmerising blue eyes and her warm, supple body. By all the gods, he was smitten. He had never felt anything like this about anyone before.

However, he realised her plan didn't consider how she would remain safe. To lose her would kill him. He gently cupped her face. "Allura, I need to protect you. If I asked you to stay in the castle instead of going with me, would you stay for your safety?"

"But who would protect you?"

"Lance will be there," he replied, trying to reassure her.

"It is not the same," she said, her eyes pleading.

"Allura...oh hells!" Frustrated, Keith kissed her lush and pliant lips with all his heart. What he couldn't say in words, he expressed in his heated kiss.

Time once again seemed to stand still. He kissed her slowly, unhurriedly. He wanted to take his time exploring her and—

Without warning, his gauntlet rang. By all the seven hells! The universe seemed to conspire against them. Could they not have a moment of peace and quiet? Could he even just ignore that incessant ringing?

"Keith, dearest..." Allura whispered in his mouth, letting go of their kiss.

He let out a frustrated growl, dragging his hand on his hair. He lifted his forearm and reluctantly pressed his gauntlet.

"Keith!" An angry voice came over the speaker. "I heard from your father and Lance that you would joust without your lion's power crystal?" The holo-screen came into view.

"Mother, I—"

The Queen of Altea raised her hand, interrupting her son. "Allura must go with you. Is that clear? If anything happens to you, and the medical team fails to heal you, her abilities will be your only chance of survival."

(TO BE CONTINUED)